Community Newsletter
Dear Brunswick Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
The Brunswick School Department recognizes that people of many faiths, both students and staff, are part of our school community. As such, we have asked that staff, including coaches, pay particular attention to major religious holidays when planning. This year, we have provided our staff with a list of recognition and observance of religious holidays. It outlines many of the religious holiday dates and how regional customs and variations may impact them. In particular, I have asked that our administration and staff work hard at not scheduling the following activities on religious holidays:
- Important school events
- School-related activities beyond the typical school day
- Exams and quizzes
- Guest speakers, presentations above and beyond typical school activities
Some students in a particular faith may follow all the expectations of that faith, while others may
follow only a few of the rituals. Please note that dietary restrictions may be observed during
certain religious holidays, including fasting during the school day. Families, as partners in
education, are asked to inform the school if their students are going to be absent because of a
religious commitment.
With warm regards,
Superintendent Potenziano
September Observances and Events
Recently our community members of the Jewish faith tradition observed Rosh Hashanah in soon they will observe Yom Kippur. Here's a little information pertaining to both Holidays:
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, was celebrated beginning at sundown on Friday, September 15 - and Sunday, September 17. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday. Shanah Tovah to all our community members who celebrate!
Yom Kippur 2023 begins on the evening of Sunday, September 24, and ends on the evening of Monday, September 25. Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—is considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith. It is observed with fasting and prayer on the 10th day of Tishri. To our community members who observe this day, we wish you an easy fast.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
BHS Athletic Trainer Update
Brunswick School Department Athletics is still searching for an Athletic Trainer to support our student athletes. In the interim, school administrators, district health professionals, and coaches have created a medical protocol to ensure oversight of student health and safety as it pertains to athletics. The protocol provides guidance to coaches and others on in-game medical response, concussion return-to-play protocol management, COVID return-to-play progression, return after injury, hydration and heat illness prevention, and taping and related services.
Come support BCEF on October 5th from 4:00pm-9:00pm at Brickyard Hollow in Brunswick!
A portion of the profits from the night will go directly to BCEF and our teachers/students.
Peri Pashos
School Secretary, Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School
Peri and her husband, Costas, have two children in the Brunswick Schools. Their daughter, Despina, is a sophomore at BHS and their son, Alexander, is in 3rd grade at HBS. She grew up in Greece and attended the National University of Athens.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
To be a part of this wonderful community with people who really care about each other! And lucky that my kids are part of the Brunswick school department! Go Brunswick!!
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
Love to cook and bake, a lot :) and going to the gym to stay fit, physically & mentally!
What is your favorite line from a movie?
"I am Job" from Mrs. Doubtfire
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Alexander the Great!
What is something you learned in the last week?
Technology never makes you feel bored or smart enough :)
Current Open Positions Include:
- Groundskeeper
- Part Time Ed Tech - Harrier Beecher Stowe School
- Functional Life Skills Ed Tech at Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School Assistant Principal
- Anticipated 7th Grade Long Term Substitute Science Teacher
- Full Time Bus Driver
- District ESOL Teacher
- Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view all current
employment opportunities or click the image above!
Special Olympics Maine - Developmental Soccer Program
GRADES K-8 AS OF FALL 2023
SATURDAYS - SEPTEMBER 9TH- OCTOBER 7TH
1:00PM-1:45PM GRADES 1-5
2:00PM-2:45PM GRADE 6-8
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE SCHOOL FIELD
The Brunswick Parks & Recreation Department is proud to partner with Special Olympics Maine to offer this program at no charge to participants. This is a soccer program for youth who experience disabilities of physical, social, communicative, and/or cognitive challenges! Children participating in the program will be supported by a parent or guardian familiar with the child (at least 18 years old) and will work together with the assistance of an instructor and other volunteers to learn the basics of soccer. Each skill is broken down into simple steps so kids and adults have a framework to teach and learn. Youth will make individualized improvements, but will also have opportunities to bring their physical and social individualized improvements together, working as a team and building relationships, all while having fun! One on one attention means each class is tailored specifically to your child’s needs and progress. Regular sneakers are acceptable for this program and each child will receive a t-shirt and ball!
About the instructor:
Haley Bernier has been working with children with disabilities since 2007. She is a State of Maine certified special education teacher, and holds a Behavioral Health Professional Certification. Haley is passionate about providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Scan the QR code to register!
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